Ion generator device

ABSTRACT

An ion generating device can include a housing having an opening, an anode and a cathode disposed within the housing and having a space between them in fluid communication with the opening, a power source having a negative terminal and a positive terminal with a first connection between the negative terminal and the anode and a second connection between the positive terminal and the cathode, and an air mover disposed to direct an air flow through the space and out of the opening.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Phase application of InternationalApplication No. PCT/IB2018/055206, filed Jul. 13, 2018, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/537,664 filed Jul.27, 2017, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Negative air ion generation can be used as a means to clean air. Thetheory of operation is electrons are added to air molecules (i.e.“generating ions”) by applying an electric field to spaced surfaces,generating negatively charged air particles passing between the spacedsurfaces. These negatively charged particles bond to air-bornepollutants suspended in environmental or ambient air and subsequentlymove or are drawn to positively charged surfaces like walls and floors.The overall process moves pollutants from the air in a defined space toother places (e.g. walls and floors) that can be easily cleaned withtraditional methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an ion generatingdevice including a housing having an opening, an anode and a cathodedisposed within the housing and having a space between them, a powersource having a negative terminal and a positive terminal with a firstconnection between the negative terminal and the anode and a secondconnection between the positive terminal and the cathode, a fluidconduit defining an interior and fluidly connected with the opening, anair mover disposed to direct an air flow through the space into thefluid conduit interior and out of the opening, and at least one needledisposed relative to the fluid conduit such that the set of needles areexposed to the interior of the fluid conduit, the at least one needleconductively connected with the anode and wherein a tip of the at leastone needle is less than three micrometers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a device for injecting ions into astream of air, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2 shows an outer view of a device for injecting ions into a streamof air, emphasizing charge build-up, in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic circuit diagram of the electric circuits inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram for use in a vehicle, in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 5 shows a circuit diagram for use with an externaltransformer-isolated power supply, in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 6 shows a circuit diagram for use with an internal power supply, inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic drawing of another non-limiting device forinjecting ions into a stream of air, in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 8 shows a cross section of a duct and needle mount of the device ofFIG. 7, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of the needle mount of FIG. 8, inaccordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 10 shows a circuit diagram of the needle spacing from conductivesurfaces of the device of FIG. 7, in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a duct for the device of FIG. 7having a laminar flow device, in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the duct taken along lineXII-XII of FIG. 11, in accordance with various aspects described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the disclosure relate broadly to a device and method forinjecting ions into a stream of air, in particular negative ions. Thedevice, method, or process including aspects of the disclosure canconsist of projecting a stream of electrons that are attached to airmolecules, and thus, results in a current flow from the ion generatorinto the room. If any factor reduces the electron flow, then the device,method, or process has reduced effectiveness or fewer electrons or ions.Aspects of the disclosure can include methods or apparatus to overcomefactors that reduce current flow in air ion generators. In anotheraspect, the disclosure relates to a device and method for injecting ionsinto a stream of air for providing a stable production of ions, and canimprove the flow of ions (electrons) into a desired space orenvironment.

As used herein, a “defined space” refers to a region that contains theion generator and is separated from a larger space by a partition. Forexample, a bedroom, hospital room, or vehicle interior. While “a set of”various elements will be described, it will be understood that “a set”can include any number of the respective elements, including only oneelement. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, andjoined) are to be construed broadly and can include intermediate membersbetween a collection of elements and relative movement between elementsunless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do notnecessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixedrelation to each other. In non-limiting examples, connections ordisconnections can be selectively configured to provide, enable,disable, or the like, an electrical connection between respectiveelements. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration onlyand the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in thedrawings attached hereto can vary.

Generally, at least two factors can reduce ion generation current flowinto the room. The first factor can include that the negative iongeneration process can cause surfaces of the ion generator to becomenegatively charged and, as such, will tend to repel like-chargedparticles, including negative air ions. The term for this phenomena is“charge build-up.” The result is lower electron flow the longer the iongenerator operates.

The second factor can include that current must flow through a closedpath. In the case of an air ion generator, such as aspects disclosedherein, the closed path can includes the air in the space around thegenerator or between the spaced conductive surfaces, such as an anodeelement and a cathode element. As such, the range that ions areprojected will naturally only include the current return path. If thereturn path does not include surfaces surrounding the defined space,then, even though ions might be produced, they are not projected intothe intended space. The term for this phenomena is “ion confinement.”

Aspects of the disclosure can include reducing the effects of chargebuild-up on surfaces of the ion generator, especially those nearby theion source by treating at least one surface with conductive material.The surface treated with conductive material can provide an electricalpath to remove the negative charge so that negative charge does notcollect on the surface and subsequently repel the ions. The conductivematerial can include an electrically conductive path to, for example,the positive terminal (also referred to as the “cathode”) of theassociated electron current source.

In one example aspect of the disclosure, to reduce the effects of ionconfinement, the electron's source return path can be electricallycoupled to an electrical ground, including, in one non-limiting example,building wiring. For example, using building wiring for a groundconnection for the uses of air ionizers, can be utilized wherein nodirect Earth grounding is provided, or wherein the user is unlikely toadapt the building to use the product. In aspects of the disclosure, thecurrent path can be provided with a connection of the electron source tobuilding wiring. The connection is most effective when the meansincludes the building's Earth ground (for instance, the ‘green wire’)because many common features in buildings are connected to Earth such asconduits, water pipes, floors, foundations etc. However, in manyinstances, Earth ground is not available to the ion generator. In thiscase, an alternative or additional means is to provide a connectionthrough a resistive path to building wiring. The connection to thebuilding wiring provides a convenient and effective method of providinga path that is less directly connected to building features, butnonetheless highly effective compared to providing no current returnpath. Connection to building wiring usually provides a sufficient yetad-hoc return path for current and is appropriate for situations wherethe cost of adding an intentional return path is not warranted.

To reduce the effects of ion confinement, there is another configurationfor embodiments of the disclosure, which provides a current path byadding, applying, or layering at least one conductive surface to thedefined space which can be further electrically connected to theelectron source. This method is appropriate in situations where the costis justifiable such as an industrial or medical application. Forexample, a hospital room might include a conductive floor or a livestockbarn might include a conductive screen on one or more walls.

FIG. 1 shows an ion generating device 100 for injecting ions into astream of air 105. The device uses a power source 101, such as a highvoltage generator or source connected to a cathode 102 and anode 103.Electrons 107 flow (illustrated as an arrow) from the power source 101.Negative ions 106 are produced or generated in the region between theanode 103 and cathode 102. A fan 104 can blow or direct the ions 106contained in a stream of air 105 or along a flow path 105.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an ion generating device 200 having ahousing 203, according to another aspect. The ion generating device 200operates similar to the device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, by injectingions 201 into a stream of air 202. The device includes the housing 203,illustrating a charge build-up 204 on the surface.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram that includes an ion generating deviceaccording to aspects of the disclosure for improving ion consistency. Adefined space 300, such as a room, a car, or an enclosed volume, caninclude at least one electrical connection to an electrical ground 301,which can include in one non-limiting example Earth ground. Theelectrical ground 301 connection is further electrically connected bywire 302 to the ion generator 303 through resistor 307, which connectsto at least one surface of the ion generator 303. The surfaces of theion generator 303 can include a cathode 306 and a spaced anode 305. Thecathode 306 is also connected though a resistor 308 to ground 301. Apower source 304, such as a high voltage generator, is connected througha current-limiting resistive element 309, such as a protection resistor,to the anode 305. The current-limiting resistive element 309 can beselected to provide protection for inadvertent human contact to theanode. The coupling of the power source 304 to the cathode 306 and anode305 creates an electric field between the cathode 306 and anode 305. Theelectric field, in turn, generates or produces a set of negative ions310 in the ambient air occupying or traversing the electric field. Thenegative ions 310 proceed into the ambient space 300 because they areattracted to the higher voltage potential of the materials defining thespace, such as the wall or floor, as previously described. As shown, thematerials defining the space can have a higher voltage potential becausethey are connected to the electrical ground 301.

FIG. 4 diagrams another aspect of the disclosure configured for use asan ion generating device 400 for application to a vehicle, such as anautomobile. While an automobile is described, embodiments of thedisclosure can be equally applicable in aircraft or aqueous-basedvehicles, wherein a volume of ambient air can be occupied with negativeions. As previously described, a power source (not shown), such as ahigh voltage generator is connected to cathode 403 and anode 402 througha protection resistor (not shown). Ions 413 are produced in the regionbetween cathode 403 and anode 402. A power connection 405 is providedthrough a power socket 410 to energize the power source (not shown),which for example can supply power from a battery 411 located in thevehicle. As such, the vehicle ground 412 is connected to the devicethrough internal circuitry not shown) and a connection (not shown) tothe cathode 403. A conductive surface 407 is provided to mitigate chargebuildup by connection 415 through resistor 414.

FIG. 5 shows an ion producing device 500 according to yet another aspectof the disclosure, including air stream 504 and ions 517. The iongenerating device 500 can use an external power supply 512. In manycases, external power supplies provide ground isolation through atransformer 516. As such, a bridging resistor 513 provides a highresistance path that will still allow sufficient current flow as acounter measure to ion confinement. The diagram shows a connection 510from the positive terminal of the power supply 506, such as a highvoltage supply through the power supply leads 509 through the bridgeresistor 513 to building wiring connection 514. Additionally, aconnection 510 is provided to at least one selected outer surface 511 orto at least one inner surface 517 is provided by resistor 508. The ionproducing device 500 can further include a cathode 503, as shown.

FIG. 6 shows yet another aspect of the disclosure having an ionproducing device 600, producing ions 612 in a region between cathode 610and anode 609. The anode 609 is connected to power supply 608, such as ahigh voltage power supply through a safety resistor 607. A fan 613produces an air stream 611 to propel ions 612 from the volume betweenthe spaced cathode 610 and anode 609 to the ambient space outside of thedevice 600. The device 600 can be configured to use a power supply 603,608 electrically supported by, for example, mains power 602, such as awall outlet. The power supply 602, 603, 608 can be internal or externalto the device 600. In this example, electrical ground 601 is connectedto the positive terminal of the power supply 608. The electrical ground601 is also connect to at least one selected outer surface 605 or atleast one selected inner surface 606 of the device 600. Optionally, agrounded grid or plate 613 is included to provide an external ion pathas might be used in livestock barns or hospital rooms.

As previously described, charge buildup can result in ions beingrepelled from production to the exit point. By selectively coating thesurfaces in the ion path, including but not limited to the inner surface517, 606 or outer surface 511, 605, and connecting these to the cathode102, 306, 403, 503, 610 the effects of charge buildup can be mitigated.

FIG. 3 diagrams schematically the connection of a surface of the iongenerator 303 to the Cathode 306 through a resistor 308.

In one non-limiting aspect of the disclosure for a vehicle application,as in FIG. 4, a straightforward connection 415 of the conductive surface407 through the resistor 414 to the cathode 403.

In one non-limiting aspect of the disclosure for a table-top,floor-model, or commercial models, a similar conductive path is providedas diagrammed in FIGS. 5 and 6. The table/floor type connects conductivesurface 511 through resistor 508 to connection 510 to Cathode 503.

The commercial application illustrated in FIG. 6 can be similar to theabove-described aspects. The conductive surface 605 uses connection 606through resistor 604 to connect with the cathode 610.

In aspects of the disclosure described herein, one or more separateresistors can be omitted since the conductive surface itself could beresistive.

Ion confinement can also be mitigated by providing a path for current toflow back to the respective cathode 102, 306, 403, 503, 610 afterflowing through the space to be treated with ions. The path can includeexisting conductive or semi-conductive materials like water pipes,floors, or the like. In this aspect, the connection can exist betweenthe system cathode 102, 306, 403, 503, 610 to those conductivematerials. In FIG. 3, the cathode 306 connection is shown schematicallyas resistor 308 connected to Earth ground 301.

In the case of application to a vehicle, such as in the aspects of FIG.4, the electrical ground is replaced by vehicle ground 412. As furthershown in FIG. 4, the cathode 403 is connected by a series of connections(not shown), through internal circuitry (not shown), a power connection405, through the power socket 410, to vehicle ground 412. Aspects of thedisclosure can include a subset of the aforementioned connections, oradditional connections.

In case of a table model or floor model, as shown in FIG. 5 the cathode503 can be connected by way of connection 510 through power lead 509 topower supply 512, where the isolation transformer 516 includes aresistor 513, to allow connection to building wiring 514. In the casewhere an electrical ground connection is included (for example, with agrounded power connection), a direct connection can be made instead of aresistor across the isolation transformer. Aspects of the disclosure caninclude a subset of the aforementioned connections, or additionalconnections.

The direct connection can also be included in the embodiments ofcommercial applications, for example, as shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, thecathode 610 is connected directly to electrical ground 601. In caseswhere are larger area is to be treated with ions, or where the buildingdoes not inherently include grounded features, and additional plate orscreen 613 can be provided. This could be, for example, a wire mesh inthe ceiling above a livestock barn or, a conductive floor in a hospitalroom.

FIG. 7 shows another non-limiting device 700 for injection ions 710 intothe air 711 according to another non-limiting aspect of the presentdisclosure. The device 700 is similar to the earlier-described devices100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600; therefore, like parts will be identifiedwith like numerals identified by the 700 series of numbers, with itbeing understood that the description of the like parts of the devices100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 applies to the device 700, unless otherwisenoted. As illustrated, a high voltage generator 701 has a cathode 702and an anode 703. A fan 704 can be utilized to force air (schematicallyshow as arrows 705) through a fluid conduit, including but not limitedto, a duct 713 or ducting.

Non-limiting aspects of the duct 713 can include at least oneinternally-facing or internally-surfaced conductive surface 706 exposedto the air 705 and conductively connected to the cathode 702 through aresistance 714. Non-limiting aspects of the duct 713 can also include atleast one externally-facing externally-surfaced conductive surface 708on the outside of the duct 713, also conductively connected to thecathode 702. Yet another non-limiting aspect of the duct 713 can includea conductive screen 709 disposed, located, arranged, or the like, on orat the device air outlet 716 (i.e. where the air 205, 711 or ions 710are exhausted or expelled from the device 700). The conductive screen709 can be conductively connected to the cathode 702 through a resistor715. Yet another non-limiting aspect of the duct 713 can include a setof sharp points, including but not limited to needles 707, positioned,arranged, disposed, or the like, such that the needles 707 or needletips are exposed to the air 205, 711 or ions 710 traversing the duct713. The set of needles 707 can be conductively connected to the anode703 through a corresponding set of resistors 712. In this sense, the setof needles 707 can effectively operate as the ionizing anode of thedevice 700.

As described herein, charge buildup can result in ions being repelledfrom the exit point, thereby not reaching the intended destination,external to the device 700. In FIG. 7, these built up charges arereadily dissipated by providing an electrical connection from thecathode 202 to the potential repelling surfaces 706, 708. However, thisconnection has the potential to dissipate a significant number of theseions if the respective resistance of the connecting resistor 714 is toolow. One aspect of the disclosure can include selecting a resistor 714or set of resistors 714, 715, 712 to selectively maintain a balancebetween allowing or enabling the charge to build up so high that it canat least partially repel ions while dissipating the built up ions by wayof the conductive connection with the cathode 702.

In one non-limiting aspect, the balance can be maintained by properlyselecting the resistor 714 or set of resistors 714, 715, 712 thatconnect the charged surfaces 706, 708 to the high voltage cathode 702.The value of resistor 714 or set of resistors 714, 715, 712 can furtherdepends on location of the surfaces 706, 708 relative to the ion stream(e.g. where the surfaces 706, 708 are disposed relative to the duct 713,or a quantity or surface area of the surfaces 706, 708 exposed.Generally, a desired higher ion content requires a higher resistancevalue. For instance, too small of a screen 709 resistor 715 resistance(for example, less than 2.5 Gigaohms) can result in “short circuiting”the ions 710 prior to exiting the device 700 or duct 713. In anotherinstance, too high of a screen 709 resistor 715 resistance (for example,greater than 15 Gigaohms) can repel ions 710 from the screen 709,reducing or interrupting the ionic air flow 711 exiting the device 700or duct 713. In one non-limiting example value, a screen 709 resistor715 resistance can be approximately 10 Gigaohms, which provides abalance between the too small and too high considerations describedabove.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a duct 713 of FIG. 7. As shown, amounting 802 can be connected, attached, disposed, supported, or thelike, wherein the mounting 802 includes the set of needles 707. At leastone of the duct 713, the mounting 802, or the set of needles 707 can beselected or mounted in combination thereof, to enable, allow, or providefor the set of needles 707 (or for example, a distal end or tip of theneedles 707), to be exposed to an internal cavity 803 defined by theduct 713, wherein the air or ions traverse during device operations.

Aspects of the disclosure can be included wherein the needle 707material can affect the magnitude of produced ions. In one non-limitingaspect of the disclosure, the set of needles 707 can be selected basedon a set of criteria including, but not limited to, durability,corrosion resistance, ability to be sharpened, conductivity to produceshigh ion current (e.g. because of the material atomic structure), or thelike. One non-limiting aspect of this disclosure can utilize a set oftungsten needles 707. Tungsten is merely one non-limiting example ofneedle 707 construction. Additional needle 707 compositions can include,but are not limited to, sterling silver, gold-plated materials, rhodiumplated materials, NiCr₃ welding rods, NiCr₃ welding rods with goldplating, or sewing needles.

In another aspect of the disclosure, needle 707 geometry, including butnot limited to sharpness and diameter, can also affect ion current.Generally, a sharper needle 707 can produce more ion current. Below, isa comparison of ion current using a tungsten needle of 0.762 millimeterdiameter, and various needle 707 tip configurations.

Sharpness Example Ion current Flat tip (blunt)   0 uA Round tip (samediameter as needle) 0.10 uA 6 uM (estimated) tip 0.44 uA 3 uM tip 0.48uA

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of one non-limiting example of themounting 802 and set of needles 707, for example, having a tungstenneedle tip sharpness less than 3 micrometers.

FIG. 10 illustrates electrical connections and geometry on the inside ofan ion generator duct 1000 in accordance with another non-limitingaspect of the present disclosure. As shown, a high voltage generator1011 has an anode 1009 and a cathode 1010. A set of needles, shown astwo needles 1006 are connected to the anode 1009 through a resistors1005, which can be similar to resistor 712, previously described. Aconductive surface 1002 can be located on the interior of the duct 1000and can be further conductively connected to cathode 1010 through aresistor 1003, which can be similar to resistor 714, previouslydescribed.

Non-limiting aspects of the disclosure can be included wherein the setof needles are separated by distance (d) 1007. Additional non-limitingaspects of the disclosure can be included wherein at least one of, oreach of, the needles 1004 (e.g. the needle, or the needle tip or point)are spaced from the closest conductive surface 1002 by at least aconstant distance forming a radius (r) 1013. As shown, each of the twoillustrated needles 1006 has a radial spacing from a correspondinglyarc-shaped conductive surface 1002. In this sense, the arc-shaping ofthe conductive surface 1002 relative to the set of needles 1006 ensuresa constant or consistence radius (r) 1013 or radial range between theconductive surface 1002 and the set of needles 1006.

Air can be forced by a fan 1012 through the duct 1000, the air flowrepresented by arrows 1001. As shown, the set of needles 1006 can belocated or positioned downstream of the conductive surface 1002 suchthat the air flow 1001 can first pass by the conductive surface 1002,followed by passing the set of needles 1006. The air flow 1001 canfurther exit the duct 1000 after passing the set of needles 1006.

High output ion generators can use or utilize high voltage which maypotentially cause air dielectric breakdown and subsequent ozone. Thisbreakdown will occur in the region between the needles 1006 and thecharge removal metallization (i.e. the conductive surface 1002). Similarto the charge buildup/ion discharge balance discussed above, there is abalance between the effectiveness of the charge dissipation and allowedpotential voltage (magnitude of the anode 1009 to cathode 1010 voltage).In one non-limiting example, this balance can be maintained byappropriately shaping and spacing the conductive surface 1002 used todissipate the charge build up, in accordance with a set ofconsiderations or criteria. In another non-limiting example, the shapingand spacing of the conductive surface 1002 can be relative to the set ofneedles 1006 or needle tips. In a first non-limiting consideration, theconductive surface 1002 dissipates built-up charges most effectivelywhen it is proximate or close to the set of needles 1006. In anothernon-limiting consideration, the highest potential voltage is supportedby the greatest separation, distance, or radius (r) 1013 between the setof needles 1006 and the conductive surface 1002. In a non-limitingexample, when using 10,000 Volts potential it has been discovered thatno air dielectric breakdown will occur and output ion generation will beoptimized when distance (d) 1007 is approximately 100 millimeters andradius (r) 1013 is approximately 50 millimeters. The two-arc pattern issuited to correspond with the two ionization needles 1006, but could bereplicated further if additional needles 1006 are included. The constantradius (r) 1013, arranged as an arc between the set of needles 1006 andthe conductive surface 1002, can be one exemplary aspect wherein nosingle point on the conductive surface 1002 is closer to the set ofneedles 1006 or needle tip than any other single point. In one example,the arcing shape of the conductive surface 1002 can be referred to as a“crown” shape.

In one non-limiting aspect of the disclosure, the resistor 1003 can beselected based on, for instance, desired ion flow characteristics. Forexample, selecting a resistor 1003 having too low of a resistance (e.g.less than 0.2 Gigaohms) too low can result in “short circuiting” theions to the conductive surface 1002 prior to the ions or air flow 1001exiting the device or duct 1000. In another instance, a resistor 1003having too high of a resistance (for example, greater than 2 Gigaohms)can repel ions from the conductive surface 1002, reducing orinterrupting the ionic air flow 1001 exiting the device or duct 1000. Inone non-limiting example value, a resistor 1003 resistance can beapproximately 1 Gigaohms, which provides a balance between the too smalland too high considerations described above.

In yet another aspect of the disclosure, the device can include a ductor duct system configured, arranged, or the like, to establish a“direct” or “unimpeded” air flow through the device. Some airpurification methods do not depend on rapid transport of air frompurifier to destination. However, ion-based purification, such as thatdescribed herein, is different. Ions have a limited “life” or effective“window” of purification functionality, as the ions will dissipate, orotherwise be removed from the ionized air flow by way of dischargingthrough another charged particle or surfaces in the exhausted space.

As such, establishing a rapid path from ion generation to the intendeddestination will improve the effectiveness of ion air purification. Inthis sense, a “direct” or “unimpeded” air flow through the device willbe one wherein the ions can directly move to the exhaust port or outputwithout, or with less, unnecessary motion not parallel with the duct orducting system path. In on non-limiting example, “cyclonic” movement isunnecessary motion as the circular motion has a component not parallelwith the duct or ducting system path.

In one non-limiting example, more or faster exhaust air flow can becreated by simply increasing the air speed, such as by increasing thefan speed). However, increased fan speed can cause additional noise andrequires a more powerful and costly fan.

One non-limiting aspect of the disclosure can allow for or provide adirect or unimpeded air flow (e.g. without, or with less cyclonic airflow, compared with conventional systems). FIG. 11 illustrates across-sectional view of a device 1100 having a duct 1103, a fan 1101,and a laminar flow device 1102. As shown, the fan 1101 can include fanblades 1105 that are angled or offset relative to the direction of airflow (schematically illustrated as arrows 1104). The laminar flow device1102 can include stationary elements or laminar flow blades 1106 thatare angled or offset in an opposite direction relative to the fan blades1105.

During fan 1101 operation, the rotational movement of the fan blades1105 forces air flow through the duct 1103. The rotational movement andthe angling of the fan blades 1105 can cause, create, or the like, anaturally-occurring cyclonic motion on the resulting forced air flow.However, the naturally-occurring cyclonic motion of the resulting forcedair flow is at least partially negated, removed, neutralized, or thelike, when the air is forced through the laminar flow device 1102 andlaminar flow blades 1106. Effectively, the inclusion of the laminar flowdevice 1102 allows the forced air flow 1104 to flow in parallel (asshown) through the duct 1103 with less non-parallel motion, relative tothe duct 1103. Stated another way, the air flow 1104 currents arechanged from cyclonic to laminar. Hence, they reach the intendeddestination downstream more quickly.

In one example configuration, the destination can include a taperedoutlet portion 1108 of the duct 1103, wherein the tapered outlet portion1108 is spaced from the fan 1101 or laminar flow device 1102. In thissense, air can be drawn in from an inlet proximate to the fan 1101, andbe forced toward the tapered outlet portion 1108, downstream from thelaminar flow device 1102.

FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the laminarflow device 1102 and duct 1103, taken along line XII-XII. As shown, thelaminar flow blades 1106 can be circumferentially spaced about a hub1107, and extend radially outward, terminating at the duct 1103. Inanother example configuration, the laminar flow blades 1106 can mirrorthe circumferential spacing of the fan blades (not shown).

Many other possible embodiments and configurations in addition to thatshown in the above figures are contemplated by the present disclosure

To the extent not already described, the different features andstructures of the various embodiments can be used in combination witheach other as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated in all ofthe embodiments is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but isdone for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of thedifferent embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form newembodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described.Combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered bythis disclosure.

This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments of theinvention, including the best mode, and also to enable any personskilled in the art to practice embodiments of the invention, includingmaking and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporatedmethods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims,and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art.Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims ifthey have structural elements that do not differ from the literallanguage of the claims, or if they include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages ofthe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An ion generating device comprising: a housinghaving an opening; an anode and a cathode having a space therebetweenand disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the opening;a power source having a negative terminal and a positive terminal with afirst connection between the negative terminal and the anode and asecond connection between the positive terminal and the cathode; a fluidconduit defining an interior and fluidly connected with the opening; anair mover disposed to direct an air flow through the space into thefluid conduit interior and out of the opening; and at least one needledisposed relative to the fluid conduit such that the at least one needleis exposed to the interior of the fluid conduit, the at least one needleconductively connected with the anode and wherein a tip diameter of theat least one needle is less than three micrometers.
 2. The iongenerating device of claim 1 wherein the at least one needle comprisingtungsten.
 3. The ion generating device of claim 1, further comprising atleast two spaced needles.
 4. The ion generating device of claim 3wherein the at least two needles are spaced apart in the directionperpendicular to the directed air flow.
 5. The ion generator device ofclaim 1 wherein the at least one needle is conductively connected withthe anode by way of a resistor.
 6. The ion generator device of claim 1wherein the fluid conduit is a duct, and wherein at least a firstportion of the at least one needle is disposed in an exterior of theduct and a second portion of the needle is disposed in the interior ofthe duct.
 7. The ion generator device of claim 6 wherein the at leastone needle includes a first end and a second end, distal from the firstend, wherein the second end includes the tip, and wherein the secondportion of the at least one needle includes the second end.
 8. The iongenerator device of claim 1 wherein the at least one needle compositionis selected based on at least a subset of considerations including:durability, corrosion resistance, ability to be sharpened, conductivity,sharpness, or needle geometry.
 9. The ion generator device of claim 1further comprising a conductive surface disposed in the interior of thefluid conduit and conductively connected to the cathode.
 10. The iongenerator device of claim 9 wherein the conductive surface isconductively connected to the cathode by way of a resistor selected tobalance allowing a build up of charged ions to enable at least a partialrepelling of ions during ion generator device operations while alsoleast partially dissipating the build up of charged ions.
 11. The iongenerator device of claim 9 wherein the at least one needle is spacedfrom the conductive surface.
 12. The ion generator device of claim 11wherein the conductive surface is an arc-shaped conductive surface andspaced from the at least one needle by a constant distance forming aradius of an arc.
 13. The ion generator device of claim 9 wherein the atleast one needle is disposed downstream of the conductive surface,relative to the direction of the air flow.